How Is Snoring Different From Sleep Apnea?

When issues arise with snoring or sleep apnea many people talk to their primary care physician, but did you know that you can also turn to your dentist for help too? Consider our team at William J. Stewart Jr. DDS Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry a resource for your general and cosmetic dentistry needs in the San Antonio, Texas area.

It’s estimated that 50 percent of people snore at some point during their life. Sleep apnea is a more serious, but also a common sleep disorder. Snoring and sleep apnea are related. Many individuals who snore also have sleep apnea. However, they are two distinct disorders.

Why Is Sleep Apnea So Dangerous?

Snoring alone doesn’t cause breathing to stop. People who suffer from sleep apnea actually stop breathing. This can happen many times during the night. When the brain is deprived of oxygen—not surprisingly—serious problems can occur. Even death.

People who suffer from sleep apnea are at risk for heart problems including high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. They are also at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

One of the most common problems is daytime fatigue. This can be debilitating. Untreated sleep apnea lowers the quality of life.

The health consequences are not limited to the person with the condition. Their bed partner is also often deprived of restorative sleep and, as such, is at risk of health complications.

Suspect you might have sleep apnea?

If you suffer from daytime sleepiness, or your partner says you’ve stop breathing temporarily during sleep, see your doctor ASAP. If you want to start out with a specialist, ask your primary doctor for a recommendation. In the U.S., the American Board of Sleep Medicine certifies physicians who treat sleep disorders.

Your doctor will diagnose whether you have sleep apnea and which of the three types you have. This may require a visit to a sleep disorder clinic.

If your physician diagnoses your condition as Obstructive Sleep Apnea, don’t assume that there is only one treatment.Sleep apnea can be treated with an oral appliance, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or surgery. If your physician believes you are a candidate for a dental appliance, consult a dentist.

Again, our team at William J. Stewart Jr. DDS Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry  is a resource for you in the San Antonio, Texas area, whether you need information about treatment for sleep apnea or snoring or if you want to fix misaligned teeth or need sedation dentistry, dental crowns or clear braces. We will examine your teeth and recommend the most effective system to help you brighten your smile. We are a full-service general, family, and cosmetic dental practice that has been exceeding expectations since 1981. Call us today!

Contact William J. Stewart Jr. DDS Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry:

210-493-3040

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

13220 Huebner Rd
San Antonio, Texas
78230